National Lemonade Day

Apparently today is National Lemonade Day (is it just me or is there a "national day" for everything?), so I thought I would share some of my favorite lemonade recipes today. Or maybe this is just another desperate attempt of mine to hold onto every last second of summer!

Freckled Lemonade

Rosemary Lemonade

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Rosemary Peach Lemonade

Rosemary Lemonade

I've shared several lemonade recipes here in this space, but I just can't stop! Once the warm weather hits, you can find me outside with a mason jar of lemonade in hand, colorful straw sticking out the top. I had some leftover rosemary simple syrup from the rosemary peach lemonade I made several weeks back, and this recipe used it up perfectly. I hope this weekend you have lots of sunshine, some relaxation, and even a cold, fruity drink :)

Rosemary Lemonade
1 cup of fresh lemon juice (from 5-6 lemons)
3-4 sprigs of rosemary
1 cup of sugar
6 cups water

Combine 1 1/3 cups of water, the sugar, and the rosemary in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup through a wire mesh sieve into a container to remove the rosemary. Let cool.

In a large pitcher combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and the remaining 4 2/3 cups of cold water. Stir together until combined and chill before serving. Serves 5-6.

source: slightly adapted from a beautiful mess

Rosemary Peach Lemonade

I'm so happy that spring is finally here! Yesterday was the perfect first day of spring, too. There was no need for a jacket, I drove home from work with the windows down, Caleb and I went for a nice long walk before dinner, we ate dinner outside, and I sipped on this delicious lemonade. I ordered this lemonade at Tupelo Honey Cafe about six weeks ago, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't been thinking about it since then. I found the recipe and made a pitcher earlier this week. It is so delicious and full of the promise of sweet summertime. Happy spring and happy weekend!

Rosemary Peach Lemonade
1 1/2 cups peach nectar
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/4 cups rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

In a 2-quart pitcher, combine the peach nectar, water, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled before serving.

Rosemary Simple Syrup
1 1/3 cups water
1 cup sugar
4 (5-inch) fresh rosemary stalks

Combine the water, sugar and rosemary in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup through a wire mesh sieve into a container to remove the rosemary stalks and store in an airtight containter in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

source: recipe from tupelo honey cafe

Twists on Lemonade

In the summertime I am always craving fruity drinks--especially lemonade. This is my all-time favorite lemonade, but I'm hoping to try some new kinds this summer and find new favorites! I finally planted some herbs over the weekend, which will be perfect for making fresh, summery drinks. Throwing in fresh fruit or herbs adds a fun new twist to lemonade, so I'm excited to try some of these varieties this summer. What's your favorite kind of lemonade?

Rosemary Lemonade

Fresh Peach Lemonade

Lavender Lemonade

Cucumber Mint Lemonade

Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Thyme Lemonade